Stayin' Alive

IT WAS LAST AUTUMN WHEN EXECUTIVES AT FRESH & EASY Neighborhood Market felt a tremor, but it wasn't an earthquake. The El Segundo, Calif.-based retailer was experiencing consumer fallout from the collapse of the banking, housing and credit markets. Throughout the chain's 107 stores, shoppers were causing spikes in the sale of canned foods, especially fruits and vegetables. What we've seen is a lot

IT WAS LAST AUTUMN WHEN EXECUTIVES AT FRESH & EASY Neighborhood Market felt a tremor, but it wasn't an earthquake. The El Segundo, Calif.-based retailer was experiencing consumer fallout from the collapse of the banking, housing and credit markets. Throughout the chain's 107 stores, shoppers were causing spikes in the sale of canned foods, especially fruits and vegetables.

“What we've seen is a lot more customers focused on getting quality items at affordable prices,” said Brendan